Chupa (2023) | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

68%

Tomatometer

25 Reviews

58%

Audience Score

250+ Ratings

Shy 13-year-old Alex (Evan Whitten) flies from Kansas City to Mexico to meet his extended family for the first time. There he meets his grandfather and former lucha libre champion Chava (Demián Bichir), energetic, wrestling-obsessed cousin Memo (Nickolas Verdugo), and fearless, hip cousin Luna (Ashley Ciarra). But just as Alex begins to get his bearings, he discovers a mythical creature living under his grandfather's shed: a young chupacabra cub, which he recognizes from stories of the feared, full-grown chupacabra, fabled to feed on farmers' livestock. Alex soon learns that his new friend "Chupa" has a secret history with his family, and that dogged, dangerous scientist Richard Quinn (Christian Slater) is hunting the misunderstood creature to try and harness his powers. To protect Chupa from impending danger, Alex sets off on the adventure of a lifetime, one that will push the bonds of his newfound family to the brink, and remind him that life's burdens are lighter when you don't have to carry them alone. Read More Read Less

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Critics Consensus

Uneven yet ultimately endearing, Chupa channels classic family-friendly adventures with evident enthusiasm and a whole bunch of heart.

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Critics Reviews

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Noel Murray

Los Angeles Times

The characters in “Chupa” are likable and memorable, with a fun dynamic. And Cuarón... creates a rich sense of place here, encouraging the viewers to come to love Mexico as much as Alex eventually does.

Apr 11, 2023

Full Review

Claudia Puig

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

The little Chupa was so cute.

Apr 7, 2023

Full Review

Peter Rainer

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

A sweet but very minor movie.

Apr 7, 2023

Full Review

Graeme Tuckett

Stuff.co.nz

Chupa is very well put together, nicely filmed and performed, pays homage to Spielberg early and often – and will engross the children on the couch for 95 minutes, no worries at all.

Apr 18, 2023

Full Review

Aaron Neuwirth

We Live Entertainment

The film is harmless fun handled well enough thanks to the young cast, solid work from Bichir, and this cuddly winged beast.

Rated: 6/10

Apr 16, 2023

Full Review

Ronak Kotecha

The Times of India

While Chupa has a lot of heart and a touching bond between the kids and the creature, it falls short in terms of delivering consistent thrills.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 14, 2023

Full Review

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Audience Reviews

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Lukas B good flim, charming, lots of heart Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/01/24 Full Review Un H Chupa is a perfectly fine film that will be sure to satisfy many with its simple but charming story. Rated 2.5/5 Stars • Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/23/24 Full Review I am L Me: If I were having the same adventure as Alex then I would also would willing to go and will be very glad we didMy Rioul ( Taichi ): Chupa is honestly the most lighthearted and emotional experiences & one of our new favorite movies of our lives. It dose start a little slow with the slow opening & that farmers market is a little awkward but overall this still now one of the best movies of this year. When we continue the movie especially with it's beautiful world building, amazing visuals & some of the most memorable characters we ever see in in a while My Pikachu: I wouldn't say the best movie of 2023 but it's definitely in the top 5. And it definitely worth checking out if you're able watch before the end of the year or not as well as especially if you really wanna goes the wonderful MexicoMe: And that would also get Animat seal of approval more then you'll even know just like Nimona, Trolls Band Together, Dungeon & Dragons The movie and so many more other surprises for all of this year as well especially Wonka 😸+🤩( 🍫Willy Wonka's origin story🍭). Not that Animat would have know back then before the backlash came to be on him😤My Ribombee ( Tinkerbell. Jr ): And one more thing✨😻🌟HAPPY🤩NEW🤩YEAR🌟😻✨Chupa's scores:Story: 9.5/10Visual: 11/10Characters: 9/10Overall: 11/10 Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/01/24 Full Review Andy A The best way do describe this move is one hour thirty of things that happened. It wasn't a good movie as such, the emotion was barely present, the plot often forgot itself with beats that were entirely pointless and child actors that put acted the adults. But would I recommend it, kind of. It's insane and good fun to watch with the family. If you're looking for this movie but better watch E.T. But if you want some absurd comedy and really pretty shots then give it a look. Rated 2/5 Stars • Rated 2 out of 5 stars 12/28/23 Full Review Vic W Heartwarming story for the whole family. Cute 'monster' too :) Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/14/23 Full Review Dew This movie was absolutely disgusting. It's full of cliches and cringy scenes. The characters are annoying and unlikable. Also portraits stereotypes of latinos. The acting skills are HORRIBLE. And it's easy to see that chupa is a 3d modeling. Rated 1/5 Stars • Rated 1 out of 5 stars 12/12/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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Cast & Crew

Jonás Cuarón Director Demián Bichir Chava Evan Whitten Alex Christian Slater Richard Quinn Ashley Ciarra Luna Nickolas Verdugo Memo

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Chupa

Chupa: Trailer 1

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Synopsis Shy 13-year-old Alex (Evan Whitten) flies from Kansas City to Mexico to meet his extended family for the first time. There he meets his grandfather and former lucha libre champion Chava (Demián Bichir), energetic, wrestling-obsessed cousin Memo (Nickolas Verdugo), and fearless, hip cousin Luna (Ashley Ciarra). But just as Alex begins to get his bearings, he discovers a mythical creature living under his grandfather's shed: a young chupacabra cub, which he recognizes from stories of the feared, full-grown chupacabra, fabled to feed on farmers' livestock. Alex soon learns that his new friend "Chupa" has a secret history with his family, and that dogged, dangerous scientist Richard Quinn (Christian Slater) is hunting the misunderstood creature to try and harness his powers. To protect Chupa from impending danger, Alex sets off on the adventure of a lifetime, one that will push the bonds of his newfound family to the brink, and remind him that life's burdens are lighter when you don't have to carry them alone.

Director: Jonás Cuarón
Producer: Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe, Michael Barnathan
Screenwriter: Sean Kennedy Moore, Joe Barnathan, Marcus Rinehart, Brendan Bellomo
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: 26th Street Pictures
Rating: PG (Peril|Thematic Elements|Some Action)
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 7, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 7, 2023
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital